A portable communication device including a foldable display

Abstract

To prevent components from being broken when an electronic device is folded so as to strengthen the durability.SOLUTION: A first housing structure and a second housing structure of an electronic device are foldable each other with the center on a first axis extending in a first direction, and the first housing structure and the second housing structure form a recess together. A flexible display includes a first part located in a first area of the recess and having a first gap from a first portion of the second housing structure in an unfolded state, the first part including a first peripheral portion facing the first portion of the second housing structure, and a second part located in a second area of the recess and having a second gap from a second portion of the second housing structure, the second part including a second peripheral portion facing the second portion of the second housing structure, in which the second gap is smaller than the first gap in the unfolded state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a portable communication device, and more particularly, to a portable communication device including a foldable display.

Background Art

[0002] With the development of display technology, electronic devices employing flexible displays have become widespread. For example, electronic devices including flat displays and curved displays extending from one or both sides of a flat display have become widespread.

[0003] On the other hand, among existing electronic devices equipped with flat displays, there are electronic devices that can be folded by a hinge structure, such as laptops and flip phones. Electronic devices having such a folder structure include flat displays disposed on one or both sides centered on the hinge structure of the display.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An electronic device that is small and convenient to carry and an electronic device that provides a large screen are in a trade-off relationship. In order to provide both high portability and a large screen, a flexible display can be adopted for a foldable electronic device.

[0006] Since a flexible display is composed of multiple layers, when the device bends, deformation of the flexible display may occur. A housing design of an electronic device that does not consider the characteristics of the flexible display may cause deformation or damage to the display.

[0007] Also, a foldable electronic device includes a first part and a second part centered on a folding axis, and the first part and the second part are electrically connected by a wiring member. The wiring member may be deformed when the electronic device bends, and such repeated bending may apply stress to the wiring member. A design that does not take this into account may cause damage to the wiring member.

[0008] Also, a foldable electronic device may include a housing in which a flexible display is disposed. The housing includes a first part and a second part centered on a folding axis, and when the first part and the second part of the housing bend, the flexible display may bend. To enable such operation of the electronic device, an assembly structure of the housing and the display needs to be presented.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] An electronic device in various embodiments includes a foldable housing that includes a first housing structure and a second housing structure foldably coupled to the first housing structure. The first housing structure and the second housing structure are foldable relative to each other about a first axis extending in a first direction such that in a folded state, the second housing structure faces the first housing structure, and in an unfolded state, the first housing structure and the second housing structure form a planar structure. The first housing structure and the second housing structure both form a recess, and the recess has a first width extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from above the recess in the unfolded state, and a first region between a first portion of the first housing structure and a first portion of the second housing structure, and a second width extending in the second direction. The second width is longer than the first width, and the first portion of the second housing structure includes a foldable housing closer to the first axis than the second portion of the second housing structure and a flexible display located within the recess. The flexible display is located in the first region of the recess and has a first interval from the first portion of the second housing structure in the unfolded state, and includes a first portion having a first peripheral portion facing the first portion of the second housing structure, and a second portion located in the second region of the recess and having a second interval from the second portion of the second housing structure and including a second peripheral portion facing the second portion of the second housing structure. In the unfolded state, the second interval is smaller than the first interval.

[0010] An electronic device in various embodiments includes a foldable housing including a first housing structure and a second housing structure foldably coupled to the first housing structure. The first housing structure and the second housing structure are foldable with respect to each other about a first axis extending in a first direction such that the second housing structure faces the first housing structure in the folded state and the first housing structure and the second housing structure form a planar structure in the unfolded state. The first housing structure and the second housing structure form a recess between a first part of the first housing structure and a first part of the second housing structure. The first part of the first housing structure includes a recess extending with a first length on a first inner surface facing the recess, and the first part of the second housing structure includes a recess extending with a second length on a second inner surface facing the recess. The foldable housing includes a flexible display positioned within the recess. The flexible display may include a first peripheral portion extending in the first direction and inserted into the recess extending with the first length, and a second peripheral portion extending in the first direction and inserted into the recess extending with the second length.

[0011] An electronic device in various embodiments includes a flexible display including a first region, a second region, and a foldable region disposed between the first region and the second region, and a first housing in which the first region and at least a part of the foldable region are disposed, and a second housing in which the second region and the remaining part of the foldable region are disposed and which is foldably connected to the first housing with respect to a folding axis extending in a first direction. The first housing includes a first horizontal frame forming an edge of the first housing and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second horizontal frame facing the first horizontal frame side by side. The second housing includes a third horizontal frame forming an edge of the second housing and extending in the second direction, and a fourth horizontal frame facing the third horizontal frame side by side. A first groove, a second groove, a third groove, and a fourth groove each extending in the second direction are formed in the first horizontal frame, the second horizontal frame, the third horizontal frame, and the fourth horizontal frame, respectively. The flexible display includes a peripheral portion including a first peripheral portion extending in the second direction and a second peripheral portion arranged side by side with the first peripheral portion. The first peripheral portion may be inserted into the first groove and the third groove, and the second peripheral portion may be inserted into the second groove and the fourth groove.

[0012] In various embodiments, an electronic device includes a flexible display that is folded about a first axis extending in a first direction, a first bracket having at least a portion of the flexible display disposed on a first surface thereof, and a second bracket having at least a portion of the flexible display disposed on the first surface thereof and disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the first bracket. The electronic device further includes a bracket structure including the second bracket, a hinge structure that includes a folding axis perpendicular to the first direction and connects the first bracket and the second bracket so that the first bracket and the second bracket are folded or spread with respect to the folding axis, a hinge housing having an inner surface connected to the first surface of the first bracket and the first surface of the second bracket and having the hinge structure disposed therein, a substrate portion including a first substrate disposed on a second surface of the first bracket and a second substrate disposed on a second surface of the second bracket, and a wiring member that electrically connects the first substrate and the second substrate. At least a portion of the wiring member may extend to the first surface of the first bracket or the first surface of the second bracket.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to various embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to easily and stably assemble a foldable electronic device, prevent damage to components such as components affected during folding of the foldable electronic device, enhance durability, and design considering deformation of the components and the like. In addition, various effects directly or indirectly grasped throughout this specification may be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the technology described in this specification to specific embodiments, and it should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention. Similar reference numerals are used for similar components in connection with the description of the drawings.

[0016] As used herein, expressions such as "have", "may have", "include", or "may include" refer to the presence of a corresponding feature (e.g., a component such as a numerical value, a function, an operation, or a part), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0017] As used herein, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A or / and B", or "one or more of A or / and B" may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. For example, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" refer to all cases including (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including at least one A and at least one B in its entirety.

[0018] As used herein, expressions such as "first", "second", "primary", or "secondary" can modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, without limiting the component. For example, a first user device and a second user device represent different user devices regardless of order or importance. For example, without departing from the scope of the rights described herein, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0019] When referring to a certain component (e.g., the first component) being "(functionally or communicatively) coupled with / to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., the second component), it should be understood that a certain component may be directly coupled to another component or may be coupled through another component (e.g., the third component). In contrast, when referring to a certain component (e.g., the first component) being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component (e.g., the second component), it may be understood that there is no other component (e.g., the third component) between a certain component and another component.

[0020] As used herein, the expression "configured to" may, depending on the context, be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for", "having the capacity to", "designed to", "adapted to", "made to", or "capable of". The term "configured to" does not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" in terms of hardware. Instead, in certain situations, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" together with other devices or components, etc. For example, the statement "a processor configured to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing the operation, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or an application processor) capable of performing the operation by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0021] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this specification pertains. Terms defined in a general dictionary among the terms used herein may be interpreted to have the same or similar meaning as the meaning in the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless clearly defined herein. In some cases, even terms defined herein should not be interpreted so as to exclude embodiments of this document.

[0022] Electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present specification may include, for example, at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a mobile phone, a videophone, an e-book reader, a laptop personal computer, a netbook computer, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a fabric or clothing integrated type (e.g., electronic clothing), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), or a bio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

[0023] Hereinafter, an electronic device according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the term user may refer to a person who uses the electronic device or a device that uses the electronic device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device).

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the spread state of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the folded state of the electronic device according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the electronic device 10 can have a spread state (flat state) or unfolded state shown in FIG. 1, a folded state shown in FIG. 2, and an intermediate state between the spread state and the folded state. In this specification, unless otherwise distinguished and described, the term "folded state" means "fully folded state", and an example of an intermediate state where the electronic device is folded with a certain angle will be described separately.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the electronic device 10 may include a foldable housing 500, a hinge cover 530 covering the foldable portion of the foldable housing 500, and a flexible or foldable display 100 (hereinafter abbreviated as "display" 100) disposed within the space formed by the foldable housing 500. In this specification, the surface on which the display 100 is disposed is defined as the first surface, or the front surface of the electronic device 10. And the opposite surface of the front surface is defined as the second surface or the rear surface of the electronic device 10. Also, the surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the rear surface is defined as the third surface or the side surface of the electronic device 10.

[0026] In one embodiment, the foldable housing 500 may include a first housing structure 510, a second housing structure 520 including a sensor region 524, a first rear cover 580, and a second rear cover 590. The foldable housing 500 of the electronic device 10 may be implemented by other shapes, combinations of components, and / or couplings without being limited to the forms and couplings shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, in other embodiments, the first housing structure 510 and the first rear cover 580 may be integrally formed, and the second housing structure 520 and the second rear cover 590 may be integrally formed.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 may be disposed on both sides about a folding axis (A-axis) and may have a shape that is generally symmetric with respect to the folding axis A. As will be described later, the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 may change the angle and distance with respect to each other depending on whether the state of the electronic device 10 is an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. In the illustrated embodiment, unlike the first housing structure 510, the second housing structure 520 further includes a sensor region 524 in which various sensors are disposed, but may have a mutually symmetric shape in other regions.

[0028] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 may together form a recess for accommodating the display 100. In the illustrated embodiment, due to the sensor region 524, the recess may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A.

[0029] For example, the recess may have (1) a first width w1 between a first portion 510a parallel to the folding axis A in the first housing structure 510 and a first portion 520a formed at the edge of the sensor region 524 in the second housing structure 520, and (2) a second width w2 formed by a second portion 510b of the first housing structure 510 and a second portion 520b parallel to the folding axis A that does not correspond to the sensor region 524 in the second housing structure 520. In this case, the second width w2 may be formed longer than the first width w1. In other words, the first portion 510a of the first housing structure 510 and the first portion 520a of the second housing structure 520 having mutually asymmetric shapes form the first width w1 of the recess, and the second portion 510b of the first housing structure 510 and the second portion 520b of the second housing structure 520 having mutually symmetric shapes may form the second width w2 of the recess. In one embodiment, the first portion 520a and the second portion 520b of the second housing structure 520 may have different distances from the folding axis A. The width of the recess is not limited to the illustrated example. In various embodiments, depending on the form of the sensor region 524 or the portions of the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 having an asymmetric shape, the recess may have a plurality of widths.

[0030] In one embodiment, at least a part of the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 is formed of a metallic or non-metallic material having a rigidity of a selected size for supporting the display 100.

[0031] In one embodiment, the sensor region 524 is formed to have a predetermined region adjacent to a corner of the second housing structure 520. However, the arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor region 524 are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in other embodiments, the sensor region 524 may be provided at another corner of the second housing structure 520, or at any region between the upper corner and the lower corner. In one embodiment, components for performing various functions built into the electronic device 10 may be exposed to the front surface of the electronic device 10 through the sensor region 524 or through one or more openings provided in the sensor region 524. In various embodiments, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensors may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor.

[0032] The first rear cover 580 is disposed on one side of the folding axis on the rear surface of the electronic device 10 and may have, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery, and the periphery is surrounded by the first housing structure 510. Similarly, the second rear cover 590 is disposed on the other side of the folding axis on the rear surface of the electronic device 10, and its periphery is surrounded by the second housing structure 520.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear cover 580 and the second rear cover 590 may have a substantially symmetric shape about the folding axis (axis A). However, the first rear cover 580 and the second rear cover 590 do not necessarily have a symmetric shape with respect to each other, and in other embodiments, the electronic device 10 may include first rear covers 580 and second rear covers 590 having various shapes. In still other embodiments, the first rear cover 580 may be integrally formed with the first housing structure 510, and the second rear cover 590 may be integrally formed with the second housing structure 520.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first rear cover 580, the second rear cover 590, the first housing structure 510, and the second housing structure 520 may form a space in which various components of the electronic device 10 (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) can be arranged. In one embodiment, one or more components may be arranged or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 10. For example, at least a part of the sub-display 190 may be visually exposed through the first rear region 582 of the first rear cover 580. In other embodiments, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear region 592 of the second rear cover 590. In various embodiments, the sensor may include a proximity sensor and / or a rear camera.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the hinge cover 530 is disposed between the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 and is configured to hide internal components (e.g., a hinge structure). In one embodiment, the hinge cover 530 may be hidden by a part of the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 or exposed to the outside according to the state of the electronic device 10 (flat state or folded state).

[0036] As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the electronic device 10 is in the spread state, the hinge cover 530 may be hidden by the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 and may not be exposed. As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the electronic device 10 is in the folded state (e.g., fully folded state), the hinge cover 530 may be externally exposed between the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520. As an example, when the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 are in an intermediate state folded with a certain angle, the hinge cover 530 may be partially externally exposed between the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520. However, the area exposed in this case may be smaller than that in the fully folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover 530 may include a curved surface.

[0037] The display 100 may be disposed on the space formed by the foldable housing 500. For example, the display 100 may be seated on a recess formed by the foldable housing 500 and may form most of the front surface of the electronic device 10.

[0038] Accordingly, the front surface of the electronic device 10 may include the display 100, and a partial area of the first housing structure 510 adjacent to the display 100 and a partial area of the second housing structure 520. And the rear surface of the electronic device 10 may include the first rear cover 580, a partial area of the first housing structure 510 adjacent to the first rear cover 580, the second rear cover 590, and a partial area of the second housing structure 520 adjacent to the second rear cover 590.

[0039] The display 100 may mean a display whose at least a partial region is deformable into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the display 100 may include a folding region 103, a first region 101 disposed on one side (the left side of the folding region 103 shown in FIG. 1) with respect to the folding region 103, and a second region 102 disposed on the other side (the right side of the folding region 103 shown in FIG. 1).

[0040] The division of the regions of the display 100 shown in FIG. 1 is exemplary, and the display 100 may be divided into a plurality (for example, four or more or two) of regions by structure or function. As an example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the regions of the display 100 are divided by a folding region 103 extending parallel to the y-axis or a folding axis (A-axis), but in other embodiments, the display 100 may be divided into regions based on other folding regions (for example, a folding region parallel to the x-axis) or other folding axes (for example, a folding axis parallel to the x-axis).

[0041] The first region 101 and the second region 102 may have a generally symmetric shape centered on the folding region 103. However, unlike the first region 101, the second region 102 may include a notch cut by the presence of the sensor region 524, but in other regions, it may have a shape symmetric to that of the first region 101. In other words, the first region 101 and the second region 102 may include a portion having a symmetric shape with respect to each other and a portion having an asymmetric shape with respect to each other.

[0042] Hereinafter, the operations of the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 and the respective regions of the display 100 will be described according to the states of the electronic device 10 (for example, a flat state and a folded state).

[0043] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 10 is in the flat state (e.g., FIG. 1), the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 can be arranged to face in the same direction at an angle of 180 degrees. The surface of the first region 101 of the display 100 and the surface of the second region 102 can form 180 degrees with each other and face in the same direction (e.g., the front direction of the electronic device). The folding region 103 can form the same plane as the first region 101 and the second region 102.

[0044] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 10 is in the folded state (e.g., FIG. 2), the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 can be arranged to face each other. The surface of the first region 101 of the display 100 and the surface of the second region 102 can form a narrow angle (e.g., between 0 degrees and 10 degrees) with each other and face each other. The folding region 103 may be formed of a curved surface having at least a part with a predetermined curvature.

[0045] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 10 is in the intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2), the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 can be arranged at a certain angle with respect to each other. The surface of the first region 101 of the display 100 and the surface of the second region 102 can form an angle that is larger than that in the folded state and smaller than that in the flat state. The folding region 103 may be formed of a curved surface having at least a part with a predetermined curvature, and the curvature at this time may be smaller than that in the folded state.

[0046] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the electronic device 10 may include a display unit 20, a bracket assembly 30, a substrate unit 600, a first housing structure 510, a second housing structure 520, a first rear cover 580, and a second rear cover 590. As used herein, the display unit 20 may be referred to as a display module or a display assembly.

[0047] The display unit 20 may include a display 100 and one or more plates or layers 140 on which the display 100 is mounted. In one embodiment, the plate 140 may be disposed between the display 100 and the bracket assembly 30. At least a part of one surface (e.g., the upper surface with reference to FIG. 3) of the plate 140 may have the display 100 disposed thereon. The plate 140 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the display 100. For example, a partial region of the plate 140 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the notch 104 of the display 100.

[0048] The bracket assembly 30 may include a first bracket 410, a second bracket 420, a hinge structure disposed between the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420, a hinge cover 530 that covers the hinge structure when viewed from the outside, and a wiring member 430 (e.g., a flexible printed circuit (FPC)) that extends across the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420.

[0049] In one embodiment, the bracket assembly 30 may be disposed between the plate 140 and the substrate unit 600. As an example, the first bracket 410 may be disposed between the first region 101 of the display 100 and the first substrate 610. The second bracket 420 may be disposed between the second region 102 of the display 100 and the second substrate 620.

[0050] In one embodiment, at least a part of the wiring member 430 and the hinge structure 300 may be disposed inside the bracket assembly 30. The wiring member 430 may be disposed in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) crossing the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420. The wiring member 430 may be disposed in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or the folding axis (A) in FIG. 1) of the folding region 103 of the electronic device 10.

[0051] As described above, the substrate portion 600 may include a first substrate 610 disposed on the first bracket 410 side and a second substrate 620 disposed on the second bracket 420 side. The first substrate 610 and the second substrate 620 may be disposed inside the space formed by the bracket assembly 30, the first housing structure 510, the second housing structure 520, the first rear cover 580, and the second rear cover 590. Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device 10 may be mounted on the first substrate 610 and the second substrate 620.

[0052] The first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 may be assembled to each other so as to be coupled to both sides of the bracket assembly 30 in a state where the display unit 20 is coupled to the bracket assembly 30. As will be described later, the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 may be slid on both sides of the bracket assembly 30 and coupled to the bracket assembly 30.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first housing structure 510 includes a first rotation support surface 512, and the second housing structure 520 includes a second rotation support surface 522 corresponding to the first rotation support surface 512. The first rotation support surface 512 and the second rotation support surface 522 may include curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surfaces included in the hinge cover 530.

[0054] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 10 is in the spread state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 1), the first rotation support surface 512 and the second rotation support surface 522 can cover the hinge cover 530 so that the hinge cover 530 is not exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 10 or the exposure can be minimized. On the other hand, when the electronic device 10 is in the folded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 2), the first rotation support surface 512 and the second rotation support surface 522 rotate along the curved surface included in the hinge cover 530, and the hinge cover 530 can be maximally exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 10.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a plan view and a cross section of a display of an electronic device according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the display 100 may include a first region 101, a second region 102, and a folding region 103 (which may also be referred to as a third region) when viewed in a plan view. When the electronic device 10 is in the folded state (e.g., FIG. 2), the first region 101 and the second region 102 may face each other, and the folding region 103 may be formed as a curved surface having a predetermined curvature. The first region 101 and the second region 102 face in the same direction as each other when the electronic device 10 is in the spread state (e.g., FIG. 1), and the folding region 103 is formed as a plane.

[0056] The display 100 may have a layer structure 120 including a plurality of layers 121, 122, 123, 124 when viewed in a cross-sectional view. The layer structure 120 may include a polyimide (PI) layer 121 (Polyimide layer) disposed toward the front surface of the electronic device 10, a display panel including a plurality of light-emitting elements (e.g., OLEDs), a wiring layer 123 electrically connected to the display panel, and a touch sensor layer 124 including a plurality of touch electrodes. In various embodiments, the layer structure 120 may further include a polarizing layer and a cushion layer.

[0057] In one embodiment, at least a part of the wiring layer 123 may be formed as a curved surface. The wiring layer 123 may be formed in the form of a thin film on which wiring is printed. The wiring layer 123 may be formed by printing wiring on a flexible PI film.

[0058] In various embodiments, the display panel may include a light-emitting layer where light-emitting elements are disposed, a thin-film encapsulation layer covering the light-emitting layer, and a thin-film transistor layer including thin-film transistors connected to the light-emitting elements.

[0059] In one embodiment, the display 100 may include a first connection portion 130 that extends on one side (e.g., in the x-axis direction) of the display 100 and is connected to a display driving circuit (e.g., the display driving circuit 144 in FIG. 7). The first connection portion 130 may be formed by extending one or more layers in the layer structure 120 of the display 100. The first connection portion 130 may be formed by extending a wiring layer 123 that is electrically connected to the display panel. The first connection portion 130 may be formed at a side end of the first region 101 and / or a side end of the second region 102.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first connection portion 130 may include a wiring layer 123 and a protection layer (BPL, bending protection layer) 125 for protecting the wiring layer 123. At least a part of the wiring layer 123 may be formed with a curved surface. The protection layer 125 is formed on one side of the wiring layer 123 and may be formed with a curved surface corresponding to the wiring layer 123 to prevent damage to the wiring layer 123.

[0061] FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams showing a display unit of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams showing a display unit 20 in which the display 100 and the plate 140 described with reference to FIG. 3 are combined. In the illustrated embodiment, the display unit 20 may include a display 100, a plate 140 on which the display 100 is disposed, a display driving circuit 144 formed on the plate 140, a first connection portion 130, a second connection portion 145, a fastening portion, and a wiring film 143.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the display 100 is mounted on the first surface of the plate 140 (e.g., the first surface 1401 in FIG. 8), and the bracket assembly 30 (e.g., the bracket assembly 30 in FIG. 3) can be disposed on the second surface 1402 which is the opposite surface of the first surface of the plate 140 (e.g., the first surface 1401 in FIG. 8).

[0063] The display driving circuit 144 can be disposed on at least a part of the second surface 1402 of the plate 140. The display driving circuit 144 is electrically connected to the display 100 through the first connecting portion 130, and can be electrically connected to a main control circuit (not shown) (e.g., at least one processor) formed on the substrate portion of the electronic device 10 (e.g., the substrate portion 600 in FIG. 3) through the second connecting portion 145. The display driving circuit 144 drives the display 100 and can be controlled by the main control circuit of the electronic device 10 (e.g., the main chip 650 in FIG. 22).

[0064] In one embodiment, the first connecting portion 130 includes a curved surface having at least a part with a predetermined curvature, and the curved surface surrounds at least a part of the end portion of the plate 140 (e.g., the left end portion of the plate with reference to the front surface in FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0065] In one embodiment, the wiring film 143 can be formed on at least a part of the second surface 1402 of the plate 140. The wiring film 143 can include a film on which wirings for electrically connecting the first connecting portion 130 and the display driving circuit 144 are printed.

[0066] In one embodiment, the electronic device 10 can further include a first connector 147 for connecting the wiring film 143 and the first connecting portion 130, and a second connector 148 for connecting the wiring film 143 and the display driving circuit 144. Through the wiring film 143, the first connector 147, and the second connector 148, the display 100 and the display driving circuit 144 can be electrically connected.

[0067] In one embodiment, the boss 146 is formed on the second surface 1402 of the plate 140 and can be coupled to a corresponding boss (e.g., the corresponding boss 490 in FIG. 16a) formed on a bracket assembly (e.g., the bracket assembly 30 in FIG. 3). The boss 146 and the corresponding boss may be formed to protrude, and a predetermined space may be formed between the plate 140 and the bracket assembly 30 by coupling the boss 146 and the corresponding boss. The aforementioned display driving circuit 144, wiring film 143, first connecting portion 130, second connecting portion 145, first connector 147, and second connector 148 may be disposed in the predetermined space.

[0068] In one embodiment, the second connecting portion 145 may be disposed at an end of the second surface 1402 of the plate 140. The second connecting portion 145 may include a curved surface surrounding a part of an end of a bracket assembly (e.g., the bracket assembly 30 in FIG. 3) disposed on the second surface 1402 of the plate 140. As an example, the second connecting portion 145 may be formed in a shape that is the reverse of the left - right shape of a "C" or a "U" shape. As shown in FIG. 5, the second connecting portion 145 may be disposed at the lower end of the second surface 1402 of the plate 140. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the second connecting portion 145 may be disposed at the upper end of the second surface 1402 of the plate 140.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a cross - sectional view showing a part of the display 100 and the plate 140 when an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) is in an expanded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the display 100 and the plate 140 when the electronic device is in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 7, the plate 140 may include a first plate 141 where a first region 101 of the display 100 and a part of the folding region 103 are disposed, and a second plate 142 where a second region 102 of the display 100 and the remaining part of the folding region 103 are disposed. The plate 140 may further include an adhesive layer 153 disposed between the plate 140 and the display 100.

[0071] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer 153 may include a double-sided adhesive layer 1531 and a single-sided adhesive layer 1532 disposed between the display 100 and the plate 140. As an example, the single-sided adhesive layer 1532 may be disposed at least partially between the folding region 103 and the first plate 141 and / or the second plate 142. The single-sided adhesive layer 1532 may be adhered to the folding region 103, but may not be adhered to the first plate 141 and the second plate 142 of the plate 140.

[0072] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer 153 may be disposed only between at least a part of the first plate 141 and the first region 101 of the display 100. As an example, a single-sided adhesive layer 1532 may not be formed between the first plate 141 and the folding region 103. The folding region 103 may not be adhered to the first plate 141.

[0073] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer 153 may be disposed only between at least a part of the second plate 142 and the second region 102 of the display 100. As an example, a single-sided adhesive layer 1532 may not be formed between the second plate 142 and the folding region 103. The folding region 103 may not be adhered to the second plate 142.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 8, in the case where the electronic device 10 is in a folded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 2), a part of the first plate 141 and the second plate 142 may be separated from the display 100. The separated part of the first plate 141 and the second plate 142 may be an unadhered region where the display 100 is not adhered, or may be a single-sided adhesive layer 1532 adhered only to the folding region 103 of the display 100. The unadhered region or the single-sided adhesive layer 1532 may correspond to the folding region 103 of the display 100.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 8, the display 100 may include a first region 101, a second region 102, and a folding region 103. When the electronic device 10 is in a folded state, at least a part of the folding region 103 may be formed as a curved surface, and the first region 101 and the second region 102 may be formed as flat surfaces. The first surface 111 included in the first region 101 and the first surface 111 included in the second region 102 may face each other. The second surface 112 included in the first region 101 and the second surface 112 included in the second region 102 may face in opposite directions.

[0076] Referring again to FIG. 7, when the electronic device 10 is in an unfolded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 1), the first region 101, the second region 102, and the folding region 103 may be formed as flat surfaces. In one embodiment, when the electronic device 10 is in a folded state or an intermediate state, at least a part of the folding region 103 may be formed as a curved surface, and the first region 101 and the second region 102 may be formed as flat surfaces. The curvature of the folding region 103 may increase as the electronic device 10 moves from the unfolded state to the intermediate state.

[0077] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 16, an embodiment of the bracket assembly 30 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the front and rear surfaces of the bracket assembly of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 10) according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the bracket assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIGS. 11a and 11b are diagrams showing the wiring member and the bracket fixing of the wiring member of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the bracket assembly 30 may include a hinge structure 300 and a bracket 400 disposed inside the hinge cover 530. The bracket 400 may include a first bracket 410, a second bracket 420, a hinge cover 530 disposed between the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420, a first hinge bracket 450 connecting the hinge structure 300 and the first bracket 410, a second hinge bracket 460 connecting the hinge structure 300 and the second bracket 420, and a wiring member 430.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first bracket 410 may include a first surface 411 on which the plate 140 is disposed and a second surface 412 facing the first surface 411. The first bracket 410 may be connected to the hinge structure 300 by the first hinge bracket 450. The wiring member 430 may be disposed on the first surface 411 of the first bracket 410.

[0080] In one embodiment, the second bracket 420 may include a first surface 421 on which the plate 140 is disposed and a second surface 422 facing the first surface 421. The second bracket 420 may be connected to the hinge structure 300 by the second hinge bracket 460. The wiring member 430 may be disposed on the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420.

[0081] In one embodiment, as will be described later, the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420 may be foldably connected to each other by a hinge structure (the hinge structure 300 in FIG. 12) and hinge brackets 450, 460. When the electronic device 10 is in the folded state, the first surface 411 of the first bracket 410 and the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420 may face each other. When the electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state, the first surface 411 of the first bracket 410 and the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420 may face in the same direction as each other.

[0082] In one embodiment, the electronic device 10 may include one or more hinge structures 300. The one or more hinge structures 300 may be disposed inside the hinge cover 530. The one or more hinge structures 300 may be arranged in the y-axis direction. The hinge structure 300 may be fixed in position inside the hinge cover 530 and may be disposed in a region corresponding to the folding region 103 of the display 100. One or more wiring members 430 may be disposed between the one or more hinge structures 300. As will be described later, since the hinge structure 300 is connected to the bracket 400 by the hinge brackets 450 and 460, the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420 may be folded by the hinge structure 300. Specific details will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the bracket assembly 30 may further include a first hinge bracket 450 coupled to the first bracket 410 and a second hinge bracket 460 coupled to the second bracket 420. The first hinge bracket 450 and the second hinge bracket 460 can each connect the hinge structure 300 to the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420.

[0084] In one embodiment, a first guide hole 451 and a third guide hole 453 may be formed in the first hinge bracket 450. A second guide hole 461 and a fourth guide hole 463 may be formed in the second hinge bracket 460. At least a part of the wiring member 430 is inserted into the guide holes 451, 453, 461, and 463, and when the electronic device 10 is folded, the flow of the wiring member 430 can be partially guided. As an example, at least a part of the first wiring member 431 may be inserted into the first guide hole 451 formed in the first hinge bracket 450 and the second guide hole 461 formed in the second hinge bracket 460. At least a part of the second wiring member 432 may be inserted into the third guide hole 453 formed in the first hinge bracket 450 and the fourth guide hole 463 formed in the second hinge bracket 460.

[0085] In one embodiment, the bracket assembly 30 may include one or more wiring members 430. The wiring member 430 may be arranged in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis direction). The wiring member 430 can cross the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420 arranged on both sides of the hinge structure 300. Since the wiring member 430 is made of a flexible conductive material, damage due to folding of the electronic device can be prevented. In various embodiments, the extending direction of the wiring member 430 is not necessarily limited to the direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) perpendicular to the folding axis.

[0086] In one embodiment, the wiring member 430 may include a first wiring member 431 and a second wiring member 432. At least a part of the first wiring member 431 may be exposed on the first surface 411 of the first bracket 410 and the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420 through the first guide hole 451 and the second guide hole 461. Similarly, at least a part of the second wiring member 432 may be exposed on the first surface 411 of the first bracket 410 and the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420 through the third guide hole 453 and the fourth guide hole 463.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 9 again, in one embodiment, the first wiring member 431 may have a first connector 4311 and a second connector 4312 formed at both ends, and the second wiring member 432 may have a third connector 4321 and a fourth connector 4322 formed at both ends. The first connector 4311 and the third connector 4321 may be arranged on the second surface 412 of the first bracket 410, and the second connector 4312 and the fourth connector 4322 may be arranged on the second surface 422 of the second bracket 420. The connectors may be electrically connected to a first substrate (e.g., the first substrate 610 in FIG. 3) arranged on the second surface 412 of the first bracket 410 and / or a second substrate (e.g., the second substrate 620 in FIG. 3) arranged on the second surface 422 of the second bracket 420.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 11a, a first opening 413 may be formed in the first bracket 410, and a second opening 423 may be formed in the second bracket 420. The first opening 413 and the second opening 423 may be arranged in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) crossing the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420. A hinge structure 300 may be arranged between the first opening 413 and the second opening 423. The first wiring member 431 may extend from the second surface 412 of the first bracket 410 through the first opening 413 to the first surface 411 of the first bracket 410. The first wiring member 431 extending to the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420 may extend through the second opening 423 to the second surface 422 of the second bracket 420.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 11a, a third opening 417 may be formed in the first bracket 410, and a fourth opening 427 may be formed in the second bracket 420. In various embodiments, the fourth opening 427 may be a groove formed at an end of the first bracket 410. The third opening 417 and the fourth opening 427 may be arranged along a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) crossing the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420. A hinge structure 300 may be arranged between the third opening 417 and the fourth opening 427. The second wiring member 432 may extend from the second surface 412 of the first bracket 410 through the third opening 417 to the first surface 411 of the first bracket 410. The second wiring member 432 extending to the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420 may extend through the fourth opening 427 to the second surface 422 of the second bracket 420.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 11a and 11b, the first wiring member 431 and the second wiring member 432 may be fixed to the first surface 401 of the bracket 400. As described above, the first wiring member 431 and the second wiring member 432 may be primarily fixed by being inserted into the guide holes 451, 453, 461, 463, and may be further secondarily fixed by a position fixing hole 439a or a fixing groove 439b formed in the wiring member 430 and a position fixing protrusion 428 formed in the bracket 400.

[0091] In one embodiment, a positioning protrusion 428 that can be inserted into the positioning hole 439a or the positioning groove 439b may be formed on the first surface 401 of the bracket 400. The positioning protrusion 428 may have a shape corresponding to the positioning hole 439a or the positioning groove 439b.

[0092] In various embodiments, the positioning groove 439b may be a semi-circular groove as shown on the left side of FIG. 11b. The illustrated positioning protrusion 428, positioning groove 439b, or positioning hole 439a is an example, and the fixing method is not limited by the illustration. The present invention may include various fixing methods capable of fixing the wiring member 430 to the bracket 400.

[0093] FIGS. 12a to 12c are diagrams showing an embodiment of the hinge structure 300 of the electronic device of FIGS. 9 and 10. Referring to FIGS. 12a to 12c, in one embodiment, the hinge structure 300 includes a first bracket housing 312, first housing washer rings 301 and 303, a first elastic member 302, a first inner gear 320, a first gear washer ring 304, a first fixing bracket 332, a first folding shaft 340 (e.g., spur gear), a first main gear 341, a first gear 342 (e.g., spur gear), a second gear 352 (e.g., spur gear), a second main gear 351, a second folding shaft 350 (e.g., spur gear), a second fixing bracket 334, a second gear washer ring 309, a second inner gear 370, a second elastic member 307, second housing washer rings 306 and 308, and a second bracket housing 314. Here, the extending direction of the first folding shaft 340 and the second folding shaft 350 is referred to as the axial direction. In the figure, the left side is referred to as the first axial direction (e.g., (1) direction), and the right side is referred to as the second axial direction (e.g., (2) direction).

[0094] In one embodiment, a first main gear 341 may be formed on a first folding axis 340. The first folding axis 340 (or the first shaft) may penetrate through a first fixing bracket 332 in a first axial direction (left side in the figure) and penetrate through a second fixing bracket 334 in a second axial direction (right side in the figure). The first main gear 341 formed on the first folding axis 340 may be engaged with an inscribed gear provided on a first inner gear 320. The first folding axis 340 may be further extended in the first axial direction of the first inner gear 320 and may be further coupled with first housing washer rings 301 and 303 and a first elastic member 302. On the other hand, the first folding axis 340 may be further extended in the second axial direction of the second fixing bracket 334 and may be further coupled with a second gear washer ring 309.

[0095] In one embodiment, a second main gear 351 may be formed on a second folding axis 350. The second folding axis 350 (or the second shaft) may penetrate through the first fixing bracket 332 in the first axial direction (left side in the figure) and penetrate through the second fixing bracket 334 in the second axial direction (right side in the figure). The second main gear 351 formed on the second folding axis 350 may be engaged with an inscribed gear provided on a second inner gear 370. The second folding axis 350 may be further extended in the second axial direction of the second inner gear 370 and may be further coupled with second housing washer rings 306 and 308 and a second elastic member 307. On the other hand, the second folding axis 350 may be further extended in the first axial direction of the first fixing bracket 332 and may be further coupled with a first gear washer ring 304.

[0096] In one embodiment, one side of a first gear 342 may be engaged with the first main gear 341 provided on the first folding axis 340, and the other side may be engaged with a second gear 352. Thus, when the first folding axis 340 rotates, the first gear 342 can transmit a rotational force to the second gear 352. The first gear 342 may be disposed inside a cavity formed by the coupling of the first fixing bracket 332 and the second fixing bracket 334.

[0097] In one embodiment, one side of the second gear 352 can be meshed with a second main gear 351 provided on a second folding axis 350, and the other side can be meshed with a first gear 342. When the second folding axis 350 rotates, the second gear 352 can transmit the rotational force to the first gear 342. The second gear 352 can be disposed inside a cavity formed by coupling a first fixed bracket 332 and a second fixed bracket 334. According to various embodiments, the size and number of idle gears (e.g., the first gear 342 and the second gear 352) can be changed to reduce the thickness of the electronic device 10. Therefore, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) of the present invention is not limited to the number and size of the illustrated gears.

[0098] In one embodiment, the first bracket housing 312 can be disposed adjacent to the first inner gear 320 and fixed to the first inner gear 320. As an example, at least one protrusion is provided in a second axial direction (right side in the figure) of the first bracket housing 312, and the at least one protrusion can be inserted into and fixed to a groove provided in the first inner gear 320. The first bracket housing 312 can have a cross section in the shape of an arc having a central angle of a certain angle (e.g., a right angle).

[0099] In one embodiment, as will be described later, the upper surface of the first bracket housing 312 may be coupled (e.g., screwed) to a second hinge bracket 460, and the second hinge bracket 460 may be coupled to a second bracket 420. Thereby, when the electronic device 10 is folded, the first bracket housing 312 can be folded together with the second housing structure 520. The curved surface portion of the first bracket housing 312 can be formed to correspond to the inner surface of the hinge cover 530. The first bracket housing 312 is preferably provided with a material having a certain rigidity (e.g., a metal material), but may be made of various materials.

[0100] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the second bracket housing 314 may be coupled to the first hinge bracket 450 as will be described later, and the first hinge bracket 450 may be coupled to the first bracket 410. Thus, when the electronic device 10 is folded, the second bracket housing 314 can be folded together with the first housing structure 510. The second bracket housing 314 may be provided with substantially the same shape and material as the first bracket housing 312 and may be arranged in a direction opposite to the first bracket housing 312. As an example, the second bracket housing 314 may be fixed in the second axial direction of the second inner gear 370. The second bracket housing 314 includes a curved surface portion having a constant curvature on its outer peripheral surface, and the curved surface portion may correspond to the inner surface of the hinge cover 530.

[0101] In one embodiment, the first inner gear 320 may be coupled to the first bracket housing 312 in the first axial direction (left side in the figure), and the first fixed bracket 332 may be arranged in the second axial direction (right side in the figure). The first inner gear 320 may be coupled to the first fixed bracket 332 so as to be rotatable relative to the first fixed bracket 332. The first inner gear 320 and the first bracket housing 312 coupled to the first inner gear 320 can rotate along the side surface of the first fixed bracket 332. The first inner gear 320 is provided in a semi-elliptical shape, and an internal gear meshing with the first main gear 341 formed on the first folding shaft 340 may be provided inside. The internal gear may be provided in a semi-elliptical arc shape. The first main gear 341 formed on the first folding shaft 340 may be meshed with the internal gear. The material of the first inner gear 320 may be provided with a metal material having a certain rigidity. As an example, the first inner gear 320 may be provided with the same material as the first bracket housing 312. The material of the first inner gear 320 described in various embodiments is not limited to a specific material.

[0102] In one embodiment, the second inner gear 370 may be disposed between the second fixed bracket 334 and the second bracket housing 314. The shape and material of the second inner gear 370 may be provided substantially the same as the shape and material of the aforementioned first inner gear 320. As an example, the first inner gear 320 may be provided in a semi-elliptical shape smaller than the second fixed bracket 334, and may be provided with an inscribed gear that meshes with the second main gear 351 formed on the second folding shaft 350 in a certain region.

[0103] In one embodiment, the first fixed bracket 332 may be disposed between the first inner gear 320 and the second fixed bracket 334. The first fixed bracket 332 may be provided in a semi-elliptical shape larger than the first inner gear 320. The first fixed bracket 332 may be provided with a hole 333 into which a part of the first folding shaft 340 is inserted, and a hole 335 into which a part of the second folding shaft 350 is inserted. A hole 331 penetrating vertically may be provided at the center of the first fixed bracket 332 (e.g., from the center of the flat upper end to the lower end in the semi-elliptical shape). A boss provided on the hinge cover 530 may be inserted into the vertically penetrating hole 331.

[0104] In one embodiment, the second fixed bracket 334 may be disposed between the first fixed bracket 332 and the second inner gear 370. The second fixed bracket 334 may be provided in substantially the same shape as the first fixed bracket 332 (e.g., a semi-elliptical shape larger than the second inner gear 370). The second fixed bracket 334 may be provided with holes 335 and 333 through which the first folding shaft 340 and the second folding shaft 350 penetrate. The second fixed bracket 334 may be provided with a hole 331 penetrating vertically from the upper end to the lower end for boss coupling of the hinge cover 530.

[0105] In one embodiment, the first housing washer rings 301 and 303 are disposed between the first bracket housing 312 and the first inner gear 320, and a first elastic member 302 may be disposed between the first housing washer rings 301 and 303. The first housing washer rings 301 and 303 and the first elastic member 302 may be seated in a groove provided on one side of the first inner gear 320. A hole penetrating the first inner gear 320 may be provided inside the groove. A part of the first folding shaft 340 penetrating the first fixing bracket 332 and the second fixing bracket 334 may be disposed in the hole.

[0106] In one embodiment, the second housing washer rings 306 and 308 and the second elastic member 307 are seated in a groove (or hole) provided on one side of the second inner gear 370 and can be coupled to the second folding shaft 350. The second elastic member 307 is disposed between the second housing washer rings 306 and 308 and can provide an elastic force in the second folding shaft direction with respect to the second housing washer rings 306 and 308.

[0107] In one embodiment, the first gear washer ring 304 may be disposed between the first inner gear 320 and the first fixing bracket 332. As an example, the first gear washer ring 304 may be seated in a groove (or hole) provided in the first fixing bracket 332 while being coupled to the end of the second folding shaft 350. The second folding shaft 350 penetrating the first fixing bracket 332 and the second fixing bracket 334 may be inserted into the first gear washer ring 304.

[0108] In one embodiment, the second gear washer ring 309 may be seated in a groove provided in the second fixing bracket 334 while being coupled to the end of the first folding shaft 340.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 12b and 12c, in one embodiment, the hinge structure 300 may be arranged such that the first fixed bracket 332, the second fixed bracket 334, and the side portions (e.g., the right side portion of the first fixed bracket 332 and the left side portion of the second fixed bracket 334 with reference to the figure) face each other. Among the holes formed in the first fixed bracket 332 and the second fixed bracket 334, the hole 333 located downward with reference to the figure is arranged such that the first folding axis 340 penetrates therethrough, and the first main gear 341 formed on the first folding axis 340 can be meshed with the inscribed gear of the first inner gear 320. Among the holes of the first fixed bracket 332 and the second fixed bracket 334, the hole 335 located upward with reference to the figure is arranged such that the second folding axis 350 penetrates therethrough, and the second main gear 351 formed on the second folding axis 350 can be meshed with the inscribed gear of the second inner gear 370. The first bracket housing 312 may be coupled to the first axial direction (left side in the figure) of the first inner gear 320, and the second bracket housing 314 may be coupled to the second axial direction (right side in the figure) of the second inner gear 370.

[0110] In one embodiment, the first bracket housing 312 may be coupled to the second hinge bracket 460, and the second bracket housing 314 may be coupled to the first hinge bracket 450. The first hinge bracket 450 may be coupled to the first bracket 410, and the second hinge bracket 460 may be coupled to the second bracket 420.

[0111] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 10 is in a folded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 2), as shown in FIG. 12c, the first bracket housing 312 and the first inner gear 320 can be arranged in a state rotated by a first angle (e.g., 90 degrees) in a first direction (e.g., the CW direction in the figure) from the initial state with respect to the first fixed bracket 332. Similarly, the second bracket housing 314 and the second inner gear 370 can be arranged in a state rotated by a first angle (e.g., 90 degrees) in a second direction (e.g., the CCW direction in the figure) from the initial state with respect to the second fixed bracket 334. The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other. On the other hand, the fixed bracket 330 is fixed to the hinge cover 530 and does not rotate.

[0112] FIGS. 13a to 13d are diagrams showing wiring members of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 13a is a diagram showing that the wiring member is disposed in the internal space of the hinge cover. FIG. 13b is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 9. FIG. 13c is a diagram showing each layer forming the wiring member. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 13a to 13c, the wiring member 430 and the mounting structure of the wiring member 430 will be described.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 13a to 13c, the wiring member 430 may extend from the first bracket 410 to the second bracket 420 through the hinge cover 530. At least a part of the wiring member 430 may be disposed in the internal space 531 of the hinge cover 530. Referring to FIG. 13a, the wiring member disposed in the internal space of the hinge cover may extend to the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420 through the guide holes 451, 461 and the openings 413, 423.

[0114] Specifically, referring to FIG. 13b, the wiring member 430 may extend from the second surface 412 of the first bracket 410 through the first opening 413 to the first surface 411 of the first bracket 410. The wiring member 430 extended to the first surface 411 of the first bracket 410 may extend into the internal space 531 of the hinge cover 530 through the first guide hole 451 of the first hinge bracket 450. The wiring member 430 extended into the hinge cover 530 may extend to the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420 through the second guide hole 461 of the second hinge bracket 460. The wiring member 430 extended to the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420 may extend again to the second surface 422 through the second opening 423 of the second bracket 420. Thereby, the wiring member 430 can electrically connect the circuit boards disposed on the second surface 412 of the first bracket 410 and the second surface 422 of the second bracket 420.

[0115] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13b, the wiring member 430 may include a variable region 4301 housed inside the hinge cover 530, fixed regions 4302 extending on both sides of the variable region 4301, and an extension region 4303 extending on one side of the fixed region 4302. The fixed region 4302 may include a first fixed region 43021 fixed to the first bracket 410 and a second fixed region 43022 fixed to the second bracket 420.

[0116] In one embodiment, the first fixed region 43021 may be attached to a part of the first surface 411 of the first bracket 410 located between the first opening 413 formed in the first bracket 410 and the internal space 531 of the hinge cover 530. The second fixed region 43022 may be attached to a part of the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420 located between the second opening 423 formed in the second bracket 420 and the internal space 531 of the hinge cover 530.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 13b to 13d, the variable region 4301 may be formed between a first fixed region 43021 attached to the first bracket 410 and a second fixed region 43022 attached to the second bracket 420. The variable region 4301 may be bent to a predetermined curvature in the internal space 531 of the hinge cover 530. When the electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state, the wiring member 430 may be arranged to contact the inner surface of the hinge cover 530. When the electronic device 10 is in the folded state, the wiring member 430 may be separated from the inner surface of the hinge cover 530 by a predetermined distance.

[0118] In one embodiment, the variable region 4301 may include a linear region 4304 at least a part of which is formed in a straight line. This can prevent damage to the wiring member 430 by the hinge brackets 450 and 460 that move into the internal space 531 of the hinge cover 530 when the hinge structure 300 rotates.

[0119] In one embodiment, the extension region 4303 may be formed on one side of the fixed region 4302 and extended to a substrate disposed on the second surface of the first bracket 410 and / or the second bracket 420. At least a part of the extension region 4303 may be disposed on the second surface 412 of the first bracket 410 and / or the second surface 422 of the second bracket 420.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 13c, the wiring member 430 may include a protective layer 4331 and a first adhesive layer 4332 disposed between the wiring member 430 and the first surface 401 of the bracket 400. In one embodiment, the first adhesive layer 4332 may include a double-sided tape.

[0121] The fixed region 4302 of the wiring member 430 may include an attachment region 4302a attached to the first surface 401 of the bracket 400 by the first adhesive layer 4332 and a protected region 4302b protected by the protective layer 4331. A protective layer 4331 may be disposed under the fixed region 4302 of the wiring member 430. The protective layer 4331 can prevent surface damage to the wiring member 430 by the hinge cover 530 during the operation of the hinge structure 300. To the unfolded state during operation 、 h of the hinge cover 530.

[0122] In one embodiment, the protective layer 4331 may include a SUS material, but is not limited thereto, and may include a material having sufficient rigidity to protect the wiring member 430.

[0123] In one embodiment, the wiring member 430 may include a plurality of wiring layers and a second adhesive layer 4333 disposed between each wiring layer. The second adhesive layer 4333 may include a PP material.

[0124] FIGS. 14A to 14C are diagrams showing the coupling relationship of a bracket assembly of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14C, the coupling of the hinge cover 530, the hinge structure 300, the first hinge bracket 450, the second hinge bracket 460, the first bracket 410, and the second bracket 420 described above will be described.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 14A, a plurality of hinge structures 300 may be disposed between the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420. The hinge structure 300 may include a fixed bracket 330 fixed to the hinge cover 530 and a first bracket housing 312 and a second bracket housing 314 disposed on both sides of the fixed bracket 330. Based on the figure, the first bracket housing 312 may be adjacent to the second bracket 420, and the second bracket housing 314 may be adjacent to the first bracket 410.

[0126] In one embodiment, one or more first fastening holes 415 may be formed in the first bracket 410. In one embodiment, one or more second fastening holes 425 may be formed in the second bracket 420. In one embodiment, one or more fourth fastening holes 311 may be formed in the first bracket housing 312 of the hinge structure 300. In one embodiment, one or more third fastening holes 313 may be formed in the second bracket housing 314 of the hinge structure 300. In one embodiment, one or more fixing holes 331 may be formed in the fixed bracket 330 of the hinge structure 300.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 14b, the first hinge bracket 450 and the second hinge bracket 460 may extend in a direction parallel to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis, the first folding axis 340 and the second folding axis 350 in FIG. 12a). The first hinge bracket 450 can be coupled to the first bracket 410 and the hinge structure 300, and the second hinge bracket 460 can be coupled to the second bracket 420 and the hinge structure 300.

[0128] In one embodiment, the first hinge bracket 450 may be formed with a first corresponding fastening hole 455 corresponding to the first fastening hole 415 formed in the first bracket 410. The first hinge bracket 450 may be formed with a third corresponding fastening hole 457 corresponding to the third fastening hole 313 formed in the second bracket housing 314 of the hinge structure 300. The second hinge bracket 460 may be formed with a second corresponding fastening hole 465 corresponding to the second fastening hole 425 formed in the second bracket 420. The second hinge bracket 460 may be formed with a fourth corresponding fastening hole 467 corresponding to the fourth fastening hole 311 formed in the first bracket housing 312 of the hinge structure 300.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 14c, in one embodiment, the second bracket 420 and the second hinge bracket 460 may be coupled by a fastening member 480 (e.g., a screw) passing through the second fastening hole 425 and the second corresponding fastening hole 465. Similarly, the first bracket 410 and the first hinge bracket 450 may be coupled by a fastening member 480 (e.g., a screw) passing through the first fastening hole 415 and the first corresponding fastening hole 455. On the other hand, in one embodiment, the second hinge bracket 460 and the first bracket housing 312 may be coupled by a fastening member 480 passing through the fourth fastening hole 311 and the fourth corresponding fastening hole 467. Similarly, the first hinge bracket 450 and the second bracket housing 314 may be coupled by a fastening member 480 passing through the third fastening hole 313 and the third corresponding fastening hole 457.

[0130] Accordingly, the first bracket housing 312 and the second bracket housing 314 may be rotatably coupled about a folding axis (e.g., the first folding axis 340 and / or the second folding axis 350 in FIG. 12a) inside the hinge cover 530. Thus, the rotation of the first bracket housing 312 can cause the second hinge bracket 460 to rotate, and the second bracket 420 coupled to the second hinge bracket 460 can rotate together. Also, the rotation of the second bracket housing 314 can cause the first hinge bracket 450 to rotate, and the first bracket 410 coupled to the first hinge bracket 450 can rotate together.

[0131] 15a to 15c are diagrams showing the assembly order of a bracket assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the bracket assembly 30 may include a first bracket 410, a second bracket 420, a hinge cover 530 disposed between the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420, and a hinge structure 300 disposed inside the hinge cover 530.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 15a, the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420 can be disposed on both sides of the hinge cover 530. The first surface 411 of the first bracket 410 and the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420 can be disposed to face the same direction. The hinge cover 530 can be disposed such that the hinge structure 300 provided inside the hinge cover 530 faces the same direction as the first surface 411 of the first bracket 410 and the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420. The hinge structure 300 may be fixed inside the hinge cover 530. As described above, the hinge structure 300 can be fixed by inserting a fixing member (e.g., the fixing member 532 in FIG. 10) formed vertically inside the hinge cover 530 into a fixing hole (e.g., the fixing hole 331 in FIG. 12b) formed in a fixing bracket (e.g., the fixing bracket 330 in FIG. 10) of the hinge structure 300.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 15b, a wiring member 430 can be mounted on an assembly including a first bracket 410, a second bracket 420, a hinge cover 530, and a hinge structure 300. First, the first wiring member 431 may be inserted into a first opening 413 formed in the first bracket 410 and a second opening 423 formed in the second bracket 420. Thereby, both ends of the first wiring member 431 are disposed on the second surfaces (the second surfaces 412 and 422 in FIG. 13b) of the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420, and the portion between both ends may be accommodated inside the hinge cover 530. The second wiring member 432 may be inserted into a third opening 417 formed in the first bracket 410 and a fourth opening 427 formed in the second bracket 420. Thereby, both ends of the second wiring member 432 are disposed on the second surfaces (the second surfaces 412 and 422 in FIG. 13b) of the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420, and at least a part of the portion between both ends (e.g., the variable region 4301 in FIG. 13b) may be accommodated inside the hinge cover 530. As described with reference to FIG. 13b, the wiring members 431 and 432 may be attached to the first surface 411 of the first bracket 410 and the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420 by a fixed region (e.g., the fixed region 4302 in FIG. 13b).

[0134] Referring to FIG. 15c, a first hinge bracket 450 and a second hinge bracket 460 can be coupled to an assembly including a first bracket 410, a second bracket 420, a hinge cover 530, and a hinge structure 300.

[0135] In one embodiment, the first fastening hole 415 of the first bracket 410 and the first corresponding fastening hole 455 of the first hinge bracket 450 may be fastened, and the third fastening hole 313 of the hinge structure 300 and the third corresponding fastening hole 457 of the first hinge bracket 450 may be fastened. Thereby, the first bracket 410 may be rotatably coupled to the hinge structure 300.

[0136] In one embodiment, the second fastening hole 425 of the second bracket 420 and the second corresponding fastening hole 465 of the second hinge bracket 460 may be fastened, and the fourth fastening hole 311 of the hinge structure 300 and the fourth corresponding fastening hole 467 of the second hinge bracket 460 may be fastened. Thereby, the second bracket 420 may be rotatably coupled to the hinge structure 300.

[0137] As described above, the coupling may be made using a fastening member 480 that penetrates the fastening holes 415, 425, 311, 313 and the corresponding fastening holes 455, 457, 465, 467. However, this is just one example, and the present invention may include various fastening methods between the bracket 400 and the hinge structure 300.

[0138] FIGS. 16A and 16B are views showing a coupled state of a bracket assembly (e.g., the bracket assembly 30 in FIG. 3) and a display module (e.g., the display unit 20 in FIG. 3) of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the bracket assembly 30 may include a first bracket 410, a second bracket 420, a hinge cover 530, a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure 300 in FIG. 12A), and hinge brackets 450, 460. Further, the display module 20 may include a display 100 and a plate 140.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 16A, in one embodiment, the display module 20 may be disposed on one surface of the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420. The first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420 may be coupled to the plate 140 of the display module 20 by boss fastening. As an example, one or more corresponding bosses 490 may be formed on the first surface 411 of the first bracket 410 and the first surface 421 of the second bracket 420, and the boss 146 may be formed on the second surface 1402 of the plate 140 facing this. One of the boss 146 and the corresponding boss 490 may be a protruding member that protrudes, and the other one may be a recessed member into which the protruding member is inserted.

[0140] In one embodiment, the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420 may have side walls 404 surrounding at least a part of the plate 140 to which the display 100 is mounted. The side walls 404 may be formed at least in part at the edges of the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420. A notch 403 corresponding to the notch 104 of the display 100 may be formed in the second bracket 420. The side walls 404 may not be formed in the notch 403, and a sensor area (e.g., the sensor area 524 in FIG. 1) of a housing (e.g., the second housing structure 520 in FIG. 1) may be disposed in the notch 403.

[0141] FIG. 16b shows, in one embodiment, a cross-section of a partial area of an assembly in which the bracket assembly 30 and the display module 20 are coupled. Herein, the display module may sometimes be referred to as a display unit (e.g., the display unit 20 in FIG. 3). Referring to the upper end cross-section 1610 shown in FIG. 16b, the display 100 includes a plurality of layers, and the plurality of layers may include a PI layer 121 forming the first surface 111 of the display 100. The side wall 404 and the display 100 may be spaced apart by about a first interval (L1). Referring to the lower end cross-section 1620 shown in FIG. 16b, the side wall 404 and the display 100 may be spaced apart by about a second interval (L2). Referring to the axial end cross-section 1630 shown in FIG. 16b, the side wall 404 and the display 100 may be spaced apart by about a third interval (L3).

[0142] In various embodiments, the first interval (L1), the second interval (L2), and the third interval (L3) may include an assembly tolerance. The assembly tolerance may mean an error allowed within a limit to maintain the functions of parts and assembled products when the parts are assembled.

[0143] In various embodiments, the third interval (L3) may be larger than the first interval (L1) and / or the second interval (L2). As an example, the third interval (L3) may further include shear correction of the display 100.

[0144] Shearing of the display 100 may occur when the electronic device 10 moves to the folded state, as the planar folding region 103 is deformed into a curved surface. Specifically, since the display 100 includes a plurality of stacked layers, each of the stacked layers can be deformed into a curved surface while having a different radius of curvature from each other. That is, the layer adjacent to the first surface 111 has a smaller radius of curvature than the layer adjacent to the second surface 112, so it can move further toward the side wall 404. Thus, the third interval (L3) may be larger than the first interval (L1) and the second interval (L2). Preferably, even when the electronic device 10 is in the folded state (e.g., the fully folded state shown in FIG. 2), the third interval (L3) may be larger than the first interval (L1) or the second interval (L2) so that the layer located on the first surface 111 of the display 100 does not contact the side wall 404. In various embodiments, since the third interval (L3) is parallel to the direction of the stress applied to the plurality of layers when the electronic device 10 moves to the folded state, the third interval (L3) including the assembly tolerance may further include a shear displacement due to the applied stress.

[0145] On the other hand, the first interval (L1) and the second interval (L2) may not include shear correction. As an example, since the display 100 cannot be folded in the direction parallel to the folding axis (A axis), there may be no difference in the radius of curvature between the stacked layers. Accordingly, the first interval (L1) and the second interval (L2) may not include shear correction and may only include assembly tolerance. In various embodiments, the first interval (L1) and the second interval (L2) may be the same.

[0146] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a foldable housing of an electronic device according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the foldable housing 500 may include a first housing structure 510 and a second housing structure 520. Each of the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 may include a frame. The frame may include a first horizontal frame 501, a second horizontal frame 502, a first vertical frame 503, and a second vertical frame 504. At this time, the first horizontal frame 501 and the second horizontal frame 502 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A), and the first vertical frame 503 and the second vertical frame 504 may extend in a direction parallel to the folding axis.

[0147] In one embodiment, the first housing structure 510 may include a first horizontal frame 5011, a second horizontal frame 5021, a first vertical frame 5031, and a second vertical frame 5041. The first vertical frame 5031 and the second vertical frame 5041 can connect the first horizontal frame 5011 and the second horizontal frame 5021.

[0148] In one embodiment, the second housing structure 520 may include a first horizontal frame 5012, a second horizontal frame 5022, a first vertical frame 5032, and a second vertical frame 5042. The first vertical frame 5032 and the second vertical frame 5042 can connect the first horizontal frame 5012 and the second horizontal frame 5022.

[0149] In one embodiment, a first inner space (S1) formed by the first horizontal frame 5011, the second horizontal frame 5021, the first vertical frame 5031, and the second vertical frame 5041 may be formed in the first housing structure 510. The first inner space (S1) may also be referred to as a recess in this document.

[0150] In one embodiment, a second inner space (S2) formed by the first horizontal frame 5012, the second horizontal frame 5022, the first vertical frame 5032, and the second vertical frame 5042 may be formed in the second housing structure 520. The second inner space (S2) is referred to as a recess in this specification.

[0151] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the sensor region 524 may be formed in the second housing structure 520. The sensor region 524 may be arranged to correspond to a notch (e.g., notch 403 in FIG. 16a) formed in a bracket (e.g., the second bracket 420 in FIG. 15c). One or more openings may be formed in the sensor region 524, and a part of the sensor disposed in the electronic device 10 is visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device through the openings.

[0152] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 17, the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 may include a seating surface 542 on which a bracket assembly (e.g., the bracket assembly 30 in FIG. 15c) is seated. The seating surface 542 may be formed of one or more and may also be formed in a frame constituting the first housing structure 510 and / or the second housing structure 520. In one embodiment, the seating surface 542 may extend from the frames 501, 502, 503, 504 into the inner spaces (S1, S2).

[0153] In one embodiment, each of the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 may include a first rotation support surface 512 and a second rotation support surface 522 for supporting a hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover 530 in FIG. 18). The first rotation support surface 512 and the second rotation support surface 522 may have the hinge cover disposed therebetween and corresponding to each other.

[0154] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the coupling of the foldable housing of an electronic device and a bracket assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the sliding structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing that the foldable housing of an electronic device and a bracket assembly are assembled according to one embodiment.

[0155] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the assembly of the bracket assembly 30 and the foldable housing 500 will be described. As described above (see FIG. 16a), the bracket assembly 30 with the display 100 attached thereto may be coupled to the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 18, in one embodiment, the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 may be disposed on both sides of the bracket assembly 30. The first housing structure 510 may be disposed so as to contact the first bracket 410, and the second housing structure 520 may be disposed adjacent to the second bracket 420. The first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 may be slid toward the bracket assembly 30 and coupled to the bracket assembly 30.

[0157] In one embodiment, the first housing structure 510 and / or the second housing structure 520 may further include a lid surface 544 that forms a part of the front surface of the electronic device 10. The lid surface 544 may be formed on at least one of the first horizontal frame 501, the second horizontal frame 502, the first vertical frame 503, and the second vertical frame 504 that constitute the first housing structure 510 and / or the second housing structure 520. The lid surface 544 may extend from the frame into the inner spaces (S1, S2). The lid surface 544 can cover so that the intervals (e.g., L1, L2, L3 in FIG. 16b) formed between the display 100 and the side wall 404 of the bracket are not exposed on the front surface of the electronic device 10. In one embodiment, the lid surface 544 formed on the first housing structure 510 and / or the second housing structure 520 can form a groove in which the bracket assembly 30 slides together with the seating surface 542.

[0158] In one embodiment, at least a part of the edge of the first bracket 410 may be inserted into a groove formed between the seating surface 542 and the lid surface 544 formed on the first housing structure 510. At least a part of the edge of the second bracket 420 may be inserted into a groove formed between the seating surface 542 and the lid surface 544 formed on the second housing structure 520. Thereby, the first bracket 410 may be disposed in the first inner space (S1), and the second bracket 420 may be disposed in the second inner space (S2).

[0159] Referring to FIG. 19, an electronic device 10 according to one embodiment may include a sliding structure 550. The sliding structure 550 may include sliding grooves 555 formed in first horizontal frames 5011 and 5012 located at the upper ends of frames constituting the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520, and a sliding member 554 including upper and lower end portions of the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420. As an example, the sliding member 554 may include side walls (e.g., the side wall 404 of FIG. 16a) formed at the upper and lower end portions of the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 420.

[0160] Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 19, the sliding groove 555 may be formed by a first surface 551 facing the sliding member 554, a second surface 552 on which the sliding member 554 is seated and extending from the first surface 551, and a third surface 553 facing the second surface 552. As an example, the second surface 552 may include a seating surface 542 formed on the first horizontal frames 5011 and 5012 or the second horizontal frames 5021 and 5022, and the third surface 553 may include a lid surface 544 formed on the first horizontal frames 5011 and 5012 or the second horizontal frames 5021 and 5022.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 20, the first housing structure 510 can surround at least a part of the edge of the first bracket 410, and the second housing structure 520 can surround at least a part of the edge of the second bracket 420. At least a part of the first bracket 410 may be disposed in the first inner space (e.g., the first inner space (S1) in FIG. 17), and at least a part of the second bracket 420 may be disposed in the second inner space (e.g., the second inner space (S2) in FIG. 17).

[0162] In one embodiment, one or more coupling holes 543 may be formed in the frames 501, 502, 503, 504. At least a part of the coupling holes 543 may be mounted with a first substrate (e.g., the first substrate 610 in FIG. 22) and / or a second substrate (e.g., the second substrate 620 in FIG. 22). At least a part of the coupling holes 543 may be mounted with a first rear cover (e.g., the first rear cover 580 in FIG. 23) and / or a second rear cover (e.g., the second rear cover 590 in FIG. 23).

[0163] In one embodiment, the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 may include rotation support surfaces 512, 522 formed on the second vertical frames 5041, 5042. The rotation support surfaces 512, 522 may be formed on curved surfaces corresponding to the hinge cover 530, respectively. When the electronic device 10 moves from the spread state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 1) to the folded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 2), the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520 that rotate relative to each other may be supported by the rotation support surfaces 512, 522.

[0164] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing a substrate portion and a rear cover of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 22 is a view showing a substrate portion of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 23 is a view showing a rear cover of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0165] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, the substrate portion 600 and the rear covers 580, 590 will be described.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 21, in one embodiment, the electronic device may include a substrate unit 600, a first battery 612, and a second battery 622. The substrate unit 600 may include a first substrate 610, a second substrate 620, and one or more electrical elements mounted on the first substrate 610 and the second substrate 620. The cover may include a first rear cover 580, a second rear cover 590, a sub-display 190 visible through the first rear cover 580, and a wireless charging module 594 disposed on the second rear cover 590.

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the first substrate 610 may be disposed on the second surface of the first bracket 410 (e.g., the second surface 412 in FIG. 18), and the second substrate 620 may be disposed on the second surface of the second bracket 420 (e.g., the second surface 422 in FIG. 18). The first battery 612 may be disposed on the first bracket 410, and the second battery 622 may be disposed on the second bracket 420. In one embodiment, a groove 613 in which the first battery 612 can be located may be formed in the first substrate 610, and a groove 623 in which the second battery 622 can be located may be formed in the second substrate 620.

[0168] In one embodiment, the first substrate 610 and the second substrate 620 may be connected by wiring members 431 and 432. The wiring members 431 and 432 can electrically connect the first substrate 610 and the second substrate 620 through the inside of the hinge cover 530. The wiring member 430 may include a first wiring member 431 and a second wiring member 432. A first connector 4311 and a second connector 4312 may be formed at both ends of the first wiring member 431, and a third connector 4321 and a fourth connector 4322 may be formed at both ends of the second wiring member 432. The connectors may be electrically connected to the substrates 610 and 620.

[0169] In one embodiment, the substrate portion 600 may include one or more electrical components. The electrical components may include, for example, a receiver 641, a first speaker 642, a memory socket 643, a second speaker 645, a vibration motor 644, a front camera 646, a rear camera 649, a first microphone 652, a second microphone 647, a main chip 650, and a USB module 651. As an example, the receiver 641, the first speaker 642, the memory socket 643, the second speaker 645, and the vibration motor 644 may be mounted or disposed on the first substrate 610. On the second substrate 620, a front sensor connection portion 648 connected to the sensor region 524 formed in the second housing structure 520 may be disposed. As an example, the front camera 646, the rear camera 649, the first microphone 652, the second microphone 647, the main chip 650, the USB module 651, and the front sensor connection portion 648 may be mounted or disposed on the second substrate 620. Since the types, arrangements, numbers, etc. of the illustrated electrical components are merely one example, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the drawings.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 23, the rear covers 580, 590 may be coupled to the housing 500. The rear cover may include a first rear cover 580 coupled to the first housing structure 510 and a second rear cover 590 coupled to the second housing structure 520.

[0171] In one embodiment, the sub-display 190 may be disposed between the first rear cover 580 and the first substrate 610. The sub-display 190 may be electrically connected to the first substrate 610 by a sub-display connection portion 191. In various embodiments, the sub-display 190 may further include a display panel and a touch screen panel disposed on the display panel. The touch screen panel may be disposed between the display panel and the first rear cover 580.

[0172] In one embodiment, the first rear cover 580 can form the rear surface of the electronic device 10. Referring to FIG. 21, the first rear cover 580 may include a first rear area 582 formed on the rear surface of the electronic device 10. The first rear area 582 may be formed at a position corresponding to the position of the sub-display 190. The first rear area 582 may be formed of a transparent material through which light can pass. The light output to the sub-display 190 through the first rear area 582 can be transmitted to the user.

[0173] In one embodiment, the second rear cover 590 can form the rear surface of the electronic device 10. Referring to FIG. 21, the second rear cover 590 may include a second rear area 592 formed on the rear surface of the electronic device 10. The second rear area 592 may be formed at a position corresponding to the position of the rear camera 649. The second rear area 592 may be formed of a transparent material through which light can pass. External light may be incident on the camera through the second rear area 592.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 23, the first rear cover 580 may be coupled to the first housing structure 510. The first rear cover 580 may be disposed between the first horizontal frame 5011, the second horizontal frame 5021, the first vertical frame 5031, and the second vertical frame 5041. As described above, coupling holes 543 may be formed in the frame. The first rear cover 580 may include coupling protrusions formed on the surface facing the first substrate 610 and insertable into the coupling holes 543. The coupling protrusions may be formed at positions corresponding to the coupling holes 543. One or more coupling protrusions may be formed along the edge of the first rear cover 580. The coupling protrusions may be inserted or press-fitted into the coupling holes 543.

[0175] In one embodiment, the second rear cover 590 may be coupled to the second housing structure 520. The second rear cover 590 may be disposed between the first horizontal frame 5012, the second horizontal frame 5022, the first vertical frame 5032, and the second vertical frame 5042. As described above, coupling holes 543 may be formed in the frame. The second rear cover 590 may include coupling protrusions formed on a surface facing the second substrate 620 and insertable into the coupling holes 543. The coupling protrusions may be formed at positions corresponding to the coupling holes 543. One or more coupling protrusions may be formed along the edge of the second rear cover 590. The coupling protrusions may be inserted or press-fitted into the coupling holes 543.

[0176] In various embodiments, the housing structures 510, 520 and the rear covers 580, 590 may be made of various materials. As an example, the housing structures 510, 520 may be made of a material including metal. As an example, the rear covers 580, 590 may be made of a material including glass.

[0177] In various embodiments, the housing structures 510, 520 and the rear covers 580, 590 may be integrally formed and may be formed of the same material. As an example, the housing structures 510, 520 and the rear covers 580, 590 may be made of a material including metal, but may also be integrally formed. At least one of the first rear cover 580 and the second rear cover 590 may be integrally formed with the housing structures 510, 520.

[0178] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the usage state of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 24, the electronic device 10 between the folded state and the unfolded state is shown.

[0179] In one embodiment, the electronic device 10 may include a main region 11 and a sub-region 12. When the electronic device 10 moves from the unfolded state to the folded state, the main region 11 means a region fixed by the user, and the sub-region 12 means a region that rotates with respect to the main region.

[0180] The first region (e.g., the first region 101 in FIG. 20) of the display (e.g., the display 100 in FIG. 20) described above may be included in the sub-region 12, and the second region (e.g., the second region 102 in FIG. 20) may be included in the main region 11.

[0181] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 10 is in a folded state or moves from an unfolded state to a folded state, the main region 11 may be fixed by the user's hand, and the sub-region 12 may be arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the main region.

[0182] In one embodiment, the sub-region 12 may be arranged at the rear in the unfolded state and at the front in the folded state.

[0183] In various embodiments, the sub-region 12 of the electronic device 10 may further include a receiver (e.g., the receiver 641 in FIG. 22), a proximity sensor, and a sub-display (e.g., the sub-display 190 in FIG. 23). This is to ensure the usability of the electronic device 10 when the electronic device 10 is in a folded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 2). When the electronic device 10 is in a folded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 2), the sub-region 12 may be arranged at the front of the electronic device 10.

[0184] As an example, when the electronic device 10 is in a folded state, the sub-display (e.g., the sub-display 190 in FIG. 2) included in the sub-region 12 may be arranged at the front of the electronic device 10. Thereby, even when the electronic device 10 is in a folded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 2), visual information can be provided to the user via the sub-display (e.g., the sub-display 190 in FIG. 2) arranged at the front.

[0185] Similarly, when the electronic device 10 is in a folded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 2), the receiver (e.g., the receiver 641 in FIG. 22) or the proximity sensor included in the sub-region 12 may be arranged at the front of the electronic device 10. Thereby, even when the electronic device 10 is in a folded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 2), user input can be received via the receiver (the receiver 641 in FIG. 22) or the proximity sensor arranged at the front.

[0186] In one embodiment, a wireless charging module 594 may be disposed in the main region 11. When the electronic device 10 is charged via the wireless charging module 594, the user can place the main region 11 on top of a wireless charging device. Also, by folding the sub-region 12 at a predetermined angle with respect to the main region 11, visual information can be provided via the display included in the sub-region 12 even during wireless charging. In various embodiments, the wireless charging module 594 may be disposed in the sub-region 12 instead of the main region 11, or may be disposed in both the main region 11 and the sub-region 12.

[0187] FIGS. 25A and 25B are diagrams showing the distance between the display and the housing and the shear of the display when the electronic device is in the folded state according to various embodiments. FIGS. 25A and 25B are diagrams showing, for example, the display 100, the distance between the display 100 and the housing 500, and the shear of the display when the electronic device according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 is in the folded state.

[0188] FIGS. 26A to 26C are diagrams showing a cross-section of a partial region of the display and the distance between the display and the housing when the electronic device is in the folded state according to various embodiments. FIGS. 26A to 26C are diagrams showing, for example, a cross-section of a partial region of the display 100 disposed on the front surface and the distance between the display and the housing when the electronic device according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 is in the folded state. FIGS. 26A to 26C show cross-sectional views in a second direction with respect to each of the first end surface 1061 and the second end surface 1062. The second direction is the folding region 103 of the electronic device 10 or a direction perpendicular to the folding axis.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 25a, a display 100 including a plurality of layers may include a first layer 1201 forming a first surface 111 of the display 100 and a second layer 1202 forming a second surface 112 of the display 100 in a direction opposite to the first surface 111. When the display 100 is folded as shown, each layer may be pushed in one direction to a predetermined degree of displacement. The one direction may be the x-axis direction away from the folding region 103 perpendicular to the folding axis (y-axis direction in FIG. 25a) within the folding region 103.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 25a, in the folded state of the electronic device 10, at least a part of the folding region 103 of the display 100 forms a curved surface. Thereby, each layer of the display 100 bends while having different radii of curvature from each other in the folding region 103. In this way, with a part of the display being bent, the first layer 1201 located on the first surface 111 has a smaller radius than the second layer 1202 located on the second surface 112. In such a state, since the first layer and the second layer have the same length in the one direction (x-axis direction), the end portion of the first layer 1201 that bends less in the folding region is pushed relatively more in the one direction and displaced more significantly than the end portion of the second layer 1202 that bends more in the folding region. That is, the layer (e.g., the first layer 1201) adjacent to the first surface 111 of the display can move relatively more significantly in the one direction than the layer (e.g., the second layer 1202) adjacent to the second surface 112 of the display. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, when the display 100 is folded, the end portions of the respective layers may form a stepped structure.

[0191] As mentioned above, a difference of displacement may occur between the ends of each layer of the display 100. Such a difference of displacement can be defined as the "degree of shear". The greater the difference of displacement, the greater the degree of shear can be. Alternatively, the "degree of shear" can be defined by the angle formed by the cross-section of each layer, and the smaller the angle, the greater the "degree of shear". Such a degree of shear is 0 in the unfolded state and may have a maximum value in the folded state.

[0192] Referring again to FIGS. 25a and 25b, in any folded state of the electronic device 10, a difference in displacement may occur in the same layer of the display 100 depending on the position from the folding region 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the difference between the displacement of the first layer 1201 located on the first surface 111 and the displacement of the second layer 1202 located on the second surface 112 may decrease as it gets farther from the folding region 103. That is, the degree of shear of the display 100 may be greater the closer it is to the folding region 103.

[0193] For example, when the electronic device 10 is in the folded state, referring to FIG. 25a, the displacement difference (DA) in the notch region 104 (e.g., the first end surface 1061) located close to the folding region 103 may be greater than the displacement difference (DB) in the shaft end region (e.g., the second end surface 1062) located far from the folding region 103.

[0194] In one embodiment, when the display 100 is folded, the displacement of the layers may be affected by the storage elastic modulus of each layer. As an example, each layer of the display 100 may be adhered to each other by an adhesive material having a predetermined adhesive force. As an example, each layer of the display 100 may have a predetermined elastic force due to the material forming the layer and may have a specific elastic modulus. Thereby, an adhesive force with an adjacent layer and / or an elastic force of the layer itself may act on each of the plurality of layers. The storage elastic modulus is a variable that reflects the external force acting on the layer and / or the characteristics of the layer itself in this way.

[0195] Figure 25b shows the shear displacement in the folded state, which reflects the storage modulus, depending on the folding region (e.g., 103 in Figure 25a) or the distance from the folding axis. Graph A shows the shear displacement according to the distance from the folding axis of the layer reflecting the storage modulus. Graph B shows the shear displacement according to the distance from the folding axis of the virtual layer not reflecting the storage modulus.

[0196] Here, the "shear displacement" or "maximum shear displacement" can be defined as the displacement of the layer that has moved the most among a plurality of layers in a certain region of the display 100 when the electronic device 10 is in the folded state. The distance from the folding axis on the horizontal axis of the graph is the distance from the folding region 103.

[0197] Referring to Graph B, when the storage modulus is not reflected, it has a constant shear displacement regardless of the distance from the folding region 103. On the other hand, when the storage modulus is reflected (Graph A), it can be seen that the shear displacement decreases as the distance from the folding region 103 increases. As an example, in any region of any one layer, shear stress from the adjacent other layer acts. A layer having a predetermined elasticity can absorb a part of the shear stress, whereby the shear displacement can decrease as the distance from the folding region 103 increases.

[0198] FIG. 25b shows the first to third intervals (G1, G2, G3) between the side surface of the display 100 and the side wall of the recess of the housing 500. The first interval G1 is an interval with respect to a direction parallel to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis), and the second interval G2 and the third interval G3 are intervals with respect to a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the x-axis). In one embodiment, G2 and G3 may be selected and configured to accommodate the shear displacement due to the difference in the radius of curvature between the plurality of layers of the display 100. On the other hand, since G1 is in the direction parallel to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis), no shear occurs due to the folding of the display. Thus, G2 and / or G3 can be larger than G1.

[0199] Referring to FIGS. 26a to 26c, the structure related to the notch region and the shaft end region (B-B' section) of the display 100 will be described. FIGS. 26a to 26c show the intervals (LA1, LA2, LA3) between the display 100 and the sensor region 524 in the first region 2601, and the intervals (LB1, LB2, LB3) between the display 100 and the side wall 404 in the second region 2602. The first region 2601 may be referred to as the first part of the second housing structure 520 (e.g., the first part 520a in FIG. 1). The illustrated intervals and the like mean the distances in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis, and may be set to accommodate the shear displacement due to the folding of the display 100.

[0200] In one embodiment, in the first region 2601 of the electronic device 10 in the unfolded state, the display 100 may be separated from the inner surface 546 of the sensor region 524 by a predetermined interval (LA1). In the second region 2602 of the electronic device 10 in the unfolded state, the display 100 may be separated from the side wall 404 of the bracket 400 by a predetermined interval (LB1).

[0201] The predetermined interval may be determined such that a layer having a maximum shear displacement in the folded state (e.g., the first layer 1201 located on the first surface 111) is located inside the side wall 404 of the second housing structure 520 or the bracket 400. Therefore, the predetermined interval is formed to be larger than the maximum shear displacement of the corresponding region (e.g., the displacement of the first layer 1201 located on the first surface 111), and the display 100 may not contact the inner surface 546 of the sensor region 524 or the side wall 404 of the bracket in the folded state.

[0202] Specifically, the predetermined interval in the first region 2601 (e.g., the A-A' section) can be larger than the maximum shear displacement (e.g., the shear displacement of the first layer 1201 forming the first surface 111) formed by the display of the first region 2601 (e.g., the A-A' section) being pressed when the electronic device is in the folded state. The maximum shear displacement in the first region 2601 (e.g., the A-A' section) is the same as the difference (LA1 - LA3) between LA1 shown in FIG. 26a and LA3 shown in FIG. 26c, which is smaller than the first interval (LA1). Therefore, even when the electronic device 10 is folded, the layer of the display 100 may not contact the inner surface 546 of the sensor region 524.

[0203] On the other hand, the predetermined interval in the second region 2602 (the B-B' section) can be larger than the maximum shear displacement (e.g., the shear displacement of the first layer 1201 forming the first surface 111) formed by the display of the second region 2602 (the B-B' section) being pressed when the electronic device is in the folded state. The maximum shear displacement in the second region 2602 (the B-B' section) is the same as the difference (LB1 - LB3) between LB1 shown in FIG. 26a and LB3 shown in FIG. 26c, which is smaller than the first interval (LB1). Therefore, even when the electronic device 10 is folded, the layer of the display 100 may not contact the side wall 404 of the bracket 400.

[0204] Hereinafter, in the spread state, the interval in the first region 2601 (e.g., A-A' section) of FIG. 26a is referred to as the first interval (LA1), and the interval in the second region 2602 (B-B' section) of FIG. 26a is referred to as the second interval (LB1). In the intermediate state, the interval in the first region 2601 (e.g., A-A' section) of FIG. 26b is referred to as the third interval (LA2), and the interval in the second region 2602 (B-B' section) of FIG. 26b is referred to as the fourth interval (LB2). In the folded state, the interval in the first region 2601 (e.g., A-A' section) of FIG. 26c is referred to as the fifth interval (LA3), and the interval in the second region 2602 (B-B' section) of FIG. 26c is referred to as the sixth interval (LB3). In various embodiments, the first to sixth intervals may further include assembly tolerances.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 26a, when the electronic device is in the spread state, the first interval (LA1) may be larger than the second interval (LB1). Referring to FIG. 26b, when the electronic device 10 is in the intermediate state, the third interval (LA2) may be larger than the fourth interval (LB2). Referring to FIG. 26c, when the electronic device is in the folded state, the fifth interval (LA3) may be larger than the sixth interval (LB3). That is, the intervals (the first interval, the third interval, the fifth interval) to the first region close to the folding region may be larger than the intervals (the second interval, the fourth interval, the sixth interval) in the second region.

[0206] If the layer of the display is not a rigid body, the intervals (the first interval, the second interval, the third interval) in the first region 2601 and the intervals (the second interval, the fourth interval, the sixth interval) in the second region 2602 according to the state of the electronic device may be the same. As described above, since the layer of the actual display 100 has a predetermined elastic modulus and absorbs a part of the stress by the adjacent layers, the shear in the second region 2602 far from the folding region 103 may be smaller than the shear in the first region 2601. Therefore, the interval in the second region 2602 may be set smaller than the interval in the first region 2601. In various embodiments, the fifth interval (LA3) and the sixth interval (LB3) shown in FIG. 26c may be assembly tolerances.

[0207] In another embodiment, a side wall 404 may be formed between the inner surface 546 of the sensor region 524, which is different from the first region 2601 shown in FIG. 26c, and the display 100. In this case, the distance between the display 100 and the side wall 404 may be smaller than the fifth distance (LA3) shown in FIG. 26c, and the distance is the same as or similar to the distance between the display 100 and the side wall 404 in the axial end region (B - B' section).

[0208] In one embodiment, the distance between the display 100 and the inner surface 546 of the sensor region 524 or the side wall 404 of the bracket 400 may vary depending on the folded state of the electronic device 10. As an example, when viewed with reference to the first region 2601, the distance is the largest (first distance (LA1)) when in the unfolded state and the smallest (fifth distance (LA3)) when in the folded state. As an example, when viewed with reference to the second region 2602, the distance is the largest (second distance (LB1)) when in the unfolded state and the smallest (sixth distance (LB3)) when in the folded state.

[0209] Referring to FIG. 26b, when the electronic device is in an intermediate state, in the first region 2601, the first layer 1201 and the second layer 1202 can have a displacement difference of DA2. In the second region, the first layer 1201 and the second layer 1202 can have a displacement difference of DB2. In the illustrated embodiment, since the degree of shear of the display is greater the closer it is to the folding region, DA2 can be greater than DB2.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 26c, when the electronic device is in the folded state, in the first region 2601, the first layer 1201 and the second layer 1202 can have a displacement difference of DA3. In the second region, the first layer 1201 and the second layer 1202 can have a displacement difference of DB3. As described above, since the degree of shear of the display is greater the closer it is to the folding region, DA3 can be greater than DB3.

[0211] Depending on the folded state of the electronic device 10, the displacement difference between layers in a certain area of the display 100 can be changed (e.g., DA2 → DA3 or DB2 → DB3). As the folding operation progresses, the difference in the radius of curvature of the layers of the display increases, and thus, among the plurality of layers, the layer adjacent to the first surface 111 of the display 100 can move more (absolute displacement).

[0212] In various embodiments, the first region 2601 (A-A' section) can exist in various shapes and at various positions depending on the shape or position of the sensor region 524. As an example, the closer the sensor region 524 is to the folding region 103 (or the folding axis (y-axis)) than the illustrated sensor region 524, the wider the distance (such as the first distance, the third distance, the fifth distance) between the first region 2601 can be.

[0213] Figures 27a to 27c are diagrams showing the front surface of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0214] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 27a, the electronic device 27 (e.g., the electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) may include a first region 2701 including a first frame 271 that forms a part of the edge of the sensor region 524 and is straight in the folding axis (A-axis) direction. In one embodiment, the electronic device 27 may include a second region 2702 including a second frame 272 that is straight in the folding axis (A-axis) direction and forms an end of the housing structure in which the sensor region 524 is formed among the first housing structure 510 and the second housing structure 520.

[0215] In one embodiment, the first region 2701 may be disposed closer to the folding axis (A-axis) than the second region 2702. In one embodiment, the distance between the first frame 271 and the display 100 in the first region 2701 may be greater than the distance between the second frame 272 and the display 100 in the second region 2702.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 27b, since the first region 2701 of the electronic device 27 (e.g., the electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) is disposed closer to the folding axis (A-axis) than the second region 2702, the distance formed between the first frame 271 and the display 100 in the first region 2701 can be greater than the distance formed between the second frame 272 and the display 100 in the second region 2702.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 27c, since the first region 2701 of the electronic device 27 (e.g., the electronic device 10 in FIG. 1) is disposed closer to the folding axis (A-axis) than the second region 2702, the distance formed between the first frame 271 and the display 100 in the first region 2701 can be greater than the distance formed between the second frame 272 and the display 100 in the second region 2702.

[0218] The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this specification can be a device in various forms. The electronic device can include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this specification is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0219] The various embodiments of this specification and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the corresponding embodiments. Regarding the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals are used for similar or related components. The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in the relevant context. In this document, each of the phrases such as 'A or B', 'at least one of A and B', 'at least one of A or B', 'A, B, or C', 'at least one of A, B, and C', and 'at least one of A, B, or C' may include all possible combinations of the items listed together as corresponding phrases of any of the phrases. Terms such as 'first','second', 'first', or'second' are simply used to distinguish the corresponding components from other corresponding components and do not limit the corresponding components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). When a certain (e.g., first) component is referred to as 'coupled' or 'connected' to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms 'functionally' or 'communicatively', it means that the certain component may be directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or connected through a third component to the other component.

[0220] The term'module' as used herein may include a unit embodied in hardware, software, or firmware, and is used interchangeably with terms such as, for example, logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integrated component or may be the smallest unit or a part of the component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be embodied in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0221] Various embodiments of the present specification may be embodied as software (e.g., program (40)) including one or more instruction words stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (36) or external memory (38)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (01)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor) of a machine (e.g., electronic device (01)) can call and execute at least one of the one or more instruction words stored from the storage medium. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function by the at least one called instruction word. The one or more instruction words can include code generated by a compiler or code executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (e.g., electromagnetic shear), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and temporarily in the storage medium.

[0222] According to one embodiment, the methods according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a purchaser. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a storage medium readable by a machine (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) via an application store (e.g., Play StoreTM). In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a storage medium readable by the same machine as the memory of the manufacturer's server, the application store's server, or the relay server.

[0223] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., modules or programs) may include one or more individuals. According to various embodiments, one or more of the corresponding components described above may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into one component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components before integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in another order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0224] According to various embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to easily and stably assemble a foldable electronic device, prevent damage to components affected during folding of the foldable electronic device, enhance durability, and enable a design considering deformation of the components. In addition, various effects directly or indirectly understood through this specification may be provided.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0225] 10 Electronic device 11 Main region 12 Sub-region 20 Display unit 30 Bracket assembly 36 Interior memory 38 Exterior memory 40 Program 100 Display 101, 2601, 2701 First region 102, 2602, 2702 Second region 103 Folding Region 104, 403 Notch 111, 401, 411, 421, 551, 1401 First Surface 112, 412, 422, 552, 1402 Second Surface 120 Layer Structure 121, 122, 123, 124 Layers 125 Protective Layer 130 First Connecting Portion 140 Plate 141 First Plate 142 Second Plate 143 Wiring Film 144 Display Driving Circuit 145 Second Connecting Portion 146 Boss 147 First Connector 148 Second Connector 153 Adhesive Layer 190 Sub - display 271 First Frame 272 Second Frame 300 Hinge Structure 301, 303 First Housing Washer Ring 302 First Elastic Member 304 First Gear Washer Ring 306, 308 Second Housing Washer Ring 307 Second Elastic Member 309 Second Gear Washer Ring 311 Fourth Fastening Hole 312 First Bracket Housing 313 Third Fastening Hole 314 Second Bracket Housing 320 First Inner Gear 330 Fixed Bracket 331 Fixed Hole 332 First Fixed Bracket 333, 335 Holes 334 Second Fixed Bracket 340 First Folding Axis 341 First main gear 342 First gear 350 Second folding shaft 351 Second main gear 352 Second gear 370 Second inner gear 400 Bracket 404 Side wall 410 First bracket 413 First opening 415 First fastening hole 417 Third opening 420 Second bracket 423 Second opening 425 Second fastening hole 427 Fourth opening 428 Position fixing protrusion 430 Wiring member 431 First wiring member 432 Second wiring member 439a Position fixing hole 439b Fixing groove 450 First hinge bracket 451, 453, 461, 463 Guide hole 455 First corresponding fastening hole 457 Third corresponding fastening hole 460 Second hinge bracket 465 Second corresponding fastening hole 467 Fourth corresponding fastening hole 480 Fastening member 490 Corresponding boss 500 Housing 501, 5011, 5012 First horizontal frame 502, 5021, 5022 Second horizontal frame 503, 5031, 5032 First vertical frame 504, 5041, 5042 Second vertical frame 510 First housing structure 510a, 520a First part 510b, 520b Second part 512 First rotation support surface 520 Second housing structure 522 Second rotating support surface 524 Sensor area 530 Hinge cover 531 Internal space 532 Fixing member 542 Resting surface 543 Coupling hole 544 Cover surface 546 Inner surface 550 Sliding structure 553 Third surface 554 Sliding member 555 Sliding groove 580 First rear cover 582 First rear area 590 Second rear cover 592 Second rear area 594 Wireless charging module 600 Substrate part 610 First substrate 612 First battery 613, 623 Groove 620 Second substrate 622 Second battery 641 Receiver 642 First speaker 643 Memory socket 644 Vibration motor 645 Second speaker 646 Front camera 647 Second microphone 648 Front sensor connection part 649 Rear camera 650 Main chip 651 USB module 652 First microphone 1061 First end face 1062 Second end face 1201 First layer 1202 Second layer 1531 Double-sided adhesive layer 1532 Single-sided adhesive layer 1610 Upper end cross-section 1620 Lower end cross-section 1630 Shaft end cross-section 4301 Variable region 4302 Fixed region 4302a Adhesion region 4302b Protection region 4303 Extension region 4304 Straight region 4311 First connector 4312 Second connector 4321 Third connector 4322 Fourth connector 4331 Protection layer 4332 First adhesive layer 4333 Second adhesive layer 43021 First fixed region 43022 Second fixed region

Claims

1. A portable communication device, comprising: a housing; a hinge cover, a first bracket, a second bracket facing the first bracket in a folded state, a hinge structure disposed between the first bracket and the second bracket, and a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) crossing the first bracket and the second bracket, and a bracket assembly coupled to the housing; a flexible display coupled to the bracket assembly; wherein the hinge structure comprises: a first hinge plate coupled to the first bracket and including a first opening; a second hinge plate coupled to the second bracket and including a second opening; wherein the flexible display comprises: a first display portion disposed on the first bracket and the first hinge plate; a second display portion disposed on the second bracket and the second hinge plate; a first region of the first FPCB is disposed within the first opening, a second region of the first FPCB is disposed within the second opening, and a third region of the first FPCB between the first region and the second region is bent and disposed within the hinge cover; the first FPCB includes a first metal plate covering a region on the rear surface, which is on the hinge cover side of the first region, and a second metal plate covering a region on the rear surface, which is on the hinge cover side of the second region; when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the flexible display, when the housing is in an unfolded state, the first metal plate overlaps a region of a side end portion on the first bracket side of the hinge cover, and the second metal plate overlaps a region of a side end portion on the second bracket side of the hinge cover. A portable communication device characterized by this.

2. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first FPCB is adhered to the first bracket via an adhesive layer formed on a part of the first metal plate.

3. The first hinge plate includes a third opening; The second hinge plate includes a fourth opening; The portable communication device It further includes a second FPCB placed inside the housing, a first region of the second FPCB is arranged inside the third opening, a second region of the second FPCB is arranged inside the fourth opening, and a third region of the second FPCB between the first region and the second region of the second FPCB is bent and arranged inside the hinge cover. The portable communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. Side end portions on the first bracket side and the second bracket side of the hinge cover are curved toward the flexible display in the unfolded state, The third region of the first FPCB is arranged to cover the curved region. The portable communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The first metal plate includes a SUS material. The portable communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. The first metal plate includes a first portion adhesively bonded to the first bracket via an adhesive layer, A second portion extending from the first portion, When viewed from the direction perpendicular to the flexible display, the second portion of the first metal plate overlaps with the region of the side end portion on the first bracket side of the hinge cover when the housing is in the unfolded state. The portable communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

7. The first metal plate is adhesively bonded to the rear surface of the first region via an adhesive layer. The portable communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

8. The first metal plate is separated from the region of the side end portion on the first bracket side of the hinge cover. The portable communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

9. The first metal plate is arranged so as not to cover the rear surface of the third region of the first FPCB. The portable communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

10. The second metal plate includes a first portion adhesively bonded to the second bracket via an adhesive layer, A second portion extending from the first portion of the second metal plate, When viewed from the direction perpendicular to the flexible display, the second portion of the second metal plate overlaps with the region of the side end portion on the second bracket side of the hinge cover when the housing is in the unfolded state. The portable communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

11. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second metal plate is adhered to the rear surface of the second region via an adhesive layer.

12. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second metal plate is separated from the one region at a side end portion of the second bracket side of the hinge cover.

13. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second metal plate is arranged so as not to cover the rear surface of the first FPCB.

14. A portable communication device, a foldable housing, a hinge structure including a first hinge plate including a first opening and a second hinge plate including a second opening, coupled to the foldable housing, a hinge cover, and an FPCB (flexible printed circuit board), wherein a first region of the FPCB is exposed through the first opening when the first hinge plate is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the flexible display, and a second region of the FPCB is exposed through the second opening when the second hinge plate is viewed from the direction perpendicular to the flexible display, and a third region of the FPCB between the first region and the second region is bent and disposed within the hinge cover, an FPCB, wherein the FPCB includes a metal plate covering a part of the rear surface on the hinge cover side of the first region and a second metal plate covering a part of the rear surface on the hinge cover side of the second region, When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the flexible display, when the foldable housing is in an unfolded state, the metal plate is arranged to overlap a part of a side end portion of the first bracket side of the hinge cover, and the second metal plate overlaps a part of a side end portion of the second bracket side of the hinge cover. The portable communication device is characterized by this.

15. The portable communication device according to claim 14, wherein the FPCB is adhered to the foldable housing via an adhesive layer formed on a part of the metal plate.

16. The first hinge plate includes a third opening, The second hinge plate includes a fourth opening, The portable communication device, further includes a second FPCB placed within the foldable housing. The first region of the second FPC board is disposed within the third opening, The second region of the second FPC board is disposed within the fourth opening, The mobile communication device according to claim 14, wherein a third region of the second FPC board disposed between the first region and the second region of the second FPC board is bent and disposed within the hinge cover. **Claim 17** Side ends of the hinge cover on the first bracket side and the second bracket side are curved toward the flexible display in the unfolded state, The mobile communication device according to claim 14, wherein the third region of the FPC board is disposed so as to cover the curved portion. **Claim 18** The mobile communication device according to claim 14, wherein the metal plate includes a SUS material.

Images